La Colina Linda (LCL) Farm sits atop one of the many lovely hills in the Shawnee National Forest and is five minutes away from Giant City State Park. We started developing the farm in 2012 by creating vegetable beds and the beginnings of a food forest.
We utilize organic and regenerative farming practices to improve and sustain the farm's soil and environment. La Colina Linda became certified organic (MOSA) in 2016. All vegetable and fruit beds are double-dug to provide a sponge-like quality that helps control water and hold in nutrients. In 2014 we installed a moveable 22 x 24 high tunnel that alternates between three locations on a 90 foot track. By moving the high tunnel annually, the other two plots along the track are recharged by sun and rain and incorporated into the regular farm rotation of produce and cover crops. A mobile high tunnel and row-covered beds enable us to grow produce all year long. Ongoing permaculture planting of fruit trees, berry bushes, vines, ground covers and raised beds provide fruits, vegetables and herbs and more.
Jeri and Kathy began working together in 2010 when Kathy and her sociology students volunteered as tutors at the Cobden Technology Learning Center and Cobden Community Garden. Based on their experiences, Jeri and Kathy decided to develop a one-acre organic farm. In 2013 they completed Farm Beginnings in Carbondale, IL. Previously, Kathy was a professor of sociology and women's studies for 30 years at SIU-C. Jeri was an educator for 38 years in Southern Illinois and Chicago and served as Director of the Technology Learning Center from 2003-2013.